Toxicological assessment of cyclopiazonic acid and aflatoxin B1: EFFECTS on zebrafish development and cardiac physiology

Mycotoxins such as Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Cyclopiazonic Acid (CPA) pose serious health risks, yet their combined toxicity remains poorly understood. This study examined, for the first time, the individual and joint effects of AFB1 and CPA on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, focusing on developmental and cardiac outcomes. Embryos were exposed from 6 h to 4 days post-fertilization to varying concentrations of each toxin and their mixtures. AFB1 caused fin fold wrinkling, underdeveloped pectoral fins, body curvature, growth retardation, and high lethality at elevated doses. CPA induced dose-dependent abnormalities, including cerebral hemorrhage, pericardial edema, fin and body deformities, and increased mortality. Combined exposure produced severe malformations encompassing most defects from either toxin alone, with markedly higher mortality, indicating synergistic toxicity. Cardiac assessments showed that CPA alone mainly reduced heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output, while AFB1 alone showed no significant effects on cardiac function. Co-exposure, however, further suppressed cardiac function, revealing enhanced cardiotoxicity. These results highlight the amplified risks of co-exposure to CPA and AFB1 and emphasize the need to account for multi-mycotoxin interactions in food safety assessments. The study also reinforces the value of zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model for mycotoxin toxicity.